Warnings about the loss of free speech and attacks on EU policies dominated a conference of right-wing populists in Brussels. Orban, Morawiecki, Farage and Co sought to join forces shortly before the European elections. By K. Schmid.
Warnings about the loss of free speech and attacks on EU policies dominated a conference of right-wing populists in Brussels. Orban, Morawiecki, Farrage and Co sought to join forces shortly before the European elections.
It was a wild ride through the EU’s major challenges – seen through the national-conservative lens. From Gloria von Thurn and Taxis’ thesis: The big problem is “that heterosexuals in Europe primarily wanted pets instead of children.” About Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage’s prediction that a possible re-election of Donald Trump “will be great!”. Up to the warning that pervades all speeches that free speech in Brussels and the EU is in danger.
Cat and mouse game at the start of the conference
Three different venues in downtown Brussels were in play within a few days. Initially a ballroom on the edge of the European Quarter was planned, then the Sofitel Brussels – in both cases those responsible for the rooms withdrew their promises at short notice. The authorities in the respective districts had announced resistance, and anti-fascist associations had also threatened to disrupt the meeting.
It wasn’t until the morning of the first day of the conference that it was clear: the Claridge Hall, also an event building very close to the European Quarter, would welcome the colorful group of right-wing conservatives and nationalists. It is not without irony that even Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban – star guest of the conference – thanked the “Tunisian Muslim family” that runs the venue in the Brussels municipality of Saint-Josse. And she showed good nerves.
The mayor’s eviction fantasies
After a few hours, the responsible mayor of the Saint-Josse district, Emir Kir, tried to stop and ban the “National Conservatism Conference” – he cited a recommendation from his police chief and the state anti-terrorism staff: “There is a risk of disruption public order when this conference takes place,” said Kir. A feast for the speakers on stage. “They even wanted to starve us: Caterers were prevented from supplying us with drinks here,” scoffed Nigel Farage, the British father of Brexit – with a view of a well-stocked lunch buffet.
Belgian police officers block the entrance to the Claridge Hall in Brussels.
He was in the middle of his hate tirade against the EU when the police arrived, but did not break up the event and instead prevented visitors from entering for hours. On Tuesday evening, Belgium’s liberal Prime Minister Alexander De Croo finally intervened and described the mayor’s advance as unacceptable. “Banning political meetings violates the Basic Law. Period,” wrote de Croo on X.
The ban on the conference was overturned by the court
On the morning of the second day of the conference, a Belgian court finally lifted the official ban on the conference. Whether this was the correct way for authorities and politicians to deal with meetings of right-wing conservative politicians is controversial. After all, among the participants were members of the European Parliament, scientists and ideological pioneers of this scene.
“Free speech is in danger”
Criticism also comes from outside the conference. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke of an “extremely disturbing decision”. In the hall, Mateusz Morawiecki, former Polish Prime Minister from the national conservative PiS party, indicated that the matter would still be discussed. What is currently happening in Brussels is unbelievable, free speech is in danger, said Morawiecki at the end of the conference. Viktor Orban put it similarly: “Hungary is currently an island of diversity in the EU, where conservatives can speak freely and make political plans.” Europe can no longer tolerate communist-style silencing and a culture of censorship, said Orban.
The “Danube Institute”, a think tank from Budapest that receives government funding, is one of the conference’s major donors. It is also organized by the conservative US think tank “Edmund Burke Foundation”.
“Conservative approach at European level”
“It’s all about freedom” – that was Orban’s message with a view to the European elections at the beginning of June. It’s about a change in leadership and a “significantly more conservative approach at the European level.” The EU’s current balance sheet shows it: “The transition to a climate-neutral economy has failed, agriculture was promised better times, and now farmers everywhere are on the barricades,” said Orban. Economic growth and competitiveness, everything is on the decline. And Then there’s migration: There are no immigrants in his country. “It’s not a question of human rights, crossing borders is a crime.” Having Muslims in the country leads to a number of problems because “we have a Christian tradition in this country continent,” said the Hungarian Prime Minister.
Joining forces the Right-wing nationalists
Like many of his previous speakers, he is taking the tour through fundamental criticism of the EU. Above all, a signal should be sent – a warning, so to speak, to the other parties and voters: The right-wing national, conservative parties have recognized their weakness – the discord among themselves. “In the future, we must look more for what unites us than what divides us,” it was said again and again. In order, so the message goes, to concentrate the growing power.